Councillor Tracy Harvey, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Environment and Commercial Services, said: “Fly-tipping is unsightly, costly to clear up and utterly indefensible and we are committed to stamping it out.

“We respond to all reports of fly-tipping and will actively pursue and prosecute those responsible where possible.

“This individual clearly thought he could break the law and get away with it – but he’s been caught on camera.

“This took place on a Friday teatime in broad daylight with no regard for the local businesses it affects or the local environment.

“I’d appeal to anyone who knows who the perpetrator is to get in touch with us in confidence, and help us to stamp out this blight on the town.”

If you know this man, or have any information about this incident or the van involved, please contact Middlesbrough Council’s Environmental Enforcement Team on 01642 726001.

Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Simon Clarke has welcomed this morning’s announcement by Transport Secretary Chris Grayling to launch a billion-pound local transport investment fund and urged Middlesbrough Council to bid for funding to help address the Marton Crawl. The fund is specifically targeted at roads managed by local authorities, and will go towards improvements such as bypasses. Simon has said that:

"Today's announcement is an important step to keep Britain moving, help commuters and strengthen our economy. There's a real opportunity for both Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland Councils to bid for funding and I hope and expect Middlesbrough Council in particular to explore all options to address the Marton crawl.

"We all know the difficulties that exist with delivering a full bypass option in south Middlesbrough but there are other actions that need to be explored in depth, including a bypass for a section of the route, adding sliproads to enable people to use the Parkway to switch between the Ormesby Bank and Marton Road routes in and out of town and also looking at whether the junction at Stainton Way is designed to deliver the smoothest traffic flow.

"The Government has put its money where its mouth is in terms of road funding and it's up to local authorities on Teesside to step up to the plate - I'll be there to support local bids every step of the way."

In response to today’s announcement, Simon has spoken to the Head of Transport Policy at Middlesbrough Council, David Carter, and arranged to meet him and his team as a priority to discuss all the available options.

Simon is also arranging to meet the Roads Minister, Jesse Norman, before Parliament's summer recess to set out why funding for Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland is so crucial. He is also in close contact with Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen.

MIDDLESBROUGH Town Hall’s popular Saturday Performing Arts class is about to take to the stage with a brand new show created by the students themselves on Monday, July 17 and Tuesday, July 18 at Middlesbrough Theatre.